SOAPing Esther- Joy came from Esther’s and Mordecai’s discipline to listen

Jan 9, 2013

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in Bible Study, Esther, SOAP Daily Devotionals

I’m reading and SOAPing my way through Esther. Today I am sharing my SOAP response to chapter eight. If you’re looking for a devotional guide or Bible reading plan, I’d love for you to join me. Here’s what stood out to me today:

Scripture: Esther 8:16

For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.

Observation:

What was to be a day of destruction and attack on the Jews was reversed and turned into a day of celebration as the Jews were no longer ordered to be attacked, but instead could defend themselves.

Application:

That reversal came about because both Mordecai and Esther listened to God and faithfully carried out the direction they heard from Him. They had the discipline to listen and act as directed.

How can I be sure to listen to God? I need to remember to present my requests to Him but also to stop and listen to His direction, as well.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for this example of Esther, who listened to you and was brave to follow your guidance. Her actions saved all the Jews.

I don’t see me being in such an influential position, but I do have moments and decisions every day which could be better influenced by you if I would take the time to listen. Please, Lord, help me to hear you better. Help me to listen better. And help me to follow your guidance to accomplish what it is that you have planned for me. Thank you, Lord, for calling me to be with you. Thank you for your forgiveness when I don’t respond. And thank you for your guidance, which is there if I just listen for it.

Are you reading alongside me? If so, what grabbed you in today’s passage? Please tell me in the comments…

If you’d like to join me, tomorrow I will be sharing my SOAP response to chapter nine of Esther.

If you disagree with something I’ve shared or another commenter shares, please remember to be respectful in your response back. You might even want to remember the old adage that you ‘catch more flies with honey than vinegar.’ Please use kind, respectful words or your comment may not remain.

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Comments

One response to “SOAPing Esther- Joy came from Esther’s and Mordecai’s discipline to listen”

Sarah

January 9, 2013

Esther 8:2, where it says Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman’s property. I’d never noticed that before. I’m not married, but to me it seems an ideal picture of marriage – Esther coming under the king’s authority and him then giving her a part to play. I thought about previous chapters where he’d offered her anything up to half the kingdom: He wasn’t going to give her a role that usurped his, but anything up to half-and-half. Shared government under the king’s authority.

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